The Field

Soccer fan or not, the call of The Field is irresistible.

“Irresistible fun.”— Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“A wonderful depiction of a joyful pastime . . . and a reminder of some of the ways we are more alike than different.”—Booklist, Starred Review

Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2018
School Library Journal Best Book of 2018
The Horn Book Fanfare 2018
Shelf Awareness Best Children’s Book of the Year
Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Winner of the Sonia Lynn Sadler Award

“Vini! Come! The field calls!” cries a girl as she and her younger brother rouse their community—family, friends, and the local fruit vendor—for a pick-up soccer (futbol) game. Children–young and old–players and spectators come running—bringing balls, shoes, goals, and a love of the sport.

“Friends versus friends” teams are formed, the field is cleared of cows, and the game begins! But will a tropical rainstorm threaten their plans?

The world’s most popular and inclusive sport has found its spirited and authentic voice in Baptiste Paul’s debut picture book— highlighting the joys of the game along with its universal themes: teamwork, leadership, diversity, and acceptance. Creole words spoke in Saint Lucia, the book's setting, create a bilingual text that reminds readers of the sport’s world fame. Bright and brilliant debut illustrations by children’s book illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara—winner of the We Need Diverse Books Illustration Mentorship award—capture the grit and glory of the game and the beauty of the island setting that inspired this field.